Alum Pot

Warning 2 years ago

13-May-2024: There has been a small rockfall from just above the traverse path that leads to the top of The Bridge in Alum Pot. The area affected is between the 1st and 2nd anchor of the traverse. This rockfall has impacted and compromised the solidity of the path along the edge of the shaft, leaving it in a crumbled state in parts. Users of the traverse path need to exercise extreme caution, both for any further rockfall, and also for the high likelihood of knocking stones down the open pot onto the route below. Keeping on the inside of the traverse line, whilst a bit more inconvenient, would help mitigate any potential problems. Anyone venturing deeper into Alum Pot needs to exercise caution regarding the potential of rocks from above. Note, that this follows a previous fall reported in February 2023, when a helmet-sized rock was dislodged from the wall of the North West route. This is a timely opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of keeping well away from the bottom of pitches while cavers are manoeuvring above. If necessary, avoid any rope free calls until you have moved completely away from the danger area. This is particularly important for surface-exposed shafts where freeze-thaw weathering over winter may have loosened rockfaces.

Warning 2 years ago

Ash Dieback has badly affected some of the trees overhanging Alum Pot, leaving them in a critical condition (i.e. dead). They are likely to shed branches and potentially even be uprooted. Care should be taken descending particularly in times of gusty winds, and of course do not use them for rigging.

Cave Access Notice

Please note that the following issue may affect access to Alum Pot:

• Sat 07 Jun 2025
  The landowner is closing access to Alum Pot on 7th June on request of the British Cave Rescue Council, to allow the running of RESCON 25, a rescue training event. Access to Lower Long Churn and Diccan Pot are also expected to be out of bounds on this day. Access to Upper Long Churn, which is on Access Land, remains possible if approached via public rights of way, however, CNCC would like to urge cavers to stay away from the caves of the Alum Pot/Long Churn system on this day to free-up parking for those involved in the event.